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Will Rietveld
Will Rietveld has a B.S. and M.S. in Forest Science from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. in Ecological Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Arizona. He spent his...
2006 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
An eclectic assortment of favorite gear for 2006.
Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo Building Tool REVIEW
The Icebox does the igloo engineering for you, but you still have a steep learning curve. Once you master the technique, you may discover a new and fun wintertime activity.
Wise Women Go Light, Part 2
Jean and Sue select and test lighter gear from a dizzying array of choices while receiving an avalanche of expert advice - which they accept with trepidation, reject, or take on wholeheartedly - all the while listening to their own self-wisdom gained in their six (or near six) decades of life experience.
Visor Buff Evo-2 Hat SPOTLITE REVIEW
A versatile ultralight outdoor cap from Buff. Is it funky or cool – you decide.
Integral Designs Hot Socks SPOTLITE REVIEW
So much warmth in such a light package.
Backcountry Water Quality: Technologies, Trends and Paranoia?
A close look at ways backcountry users can treat their water: what works, what should concern us, and what is hyperbole.
Meridian Designs AquaStar Plus Ultraviolet Light Water Purifier REVIEW
Treat your water using this robust, 3.9-ounce, ultraviolet light based, water purifier.
simBLISSity UnSlack Pack SPOTLITE REVIEW
If your backpack doesn’t have convenience pockets for your camera and snacks, here is a good way to add them.
Integral Designs eVENT Shortie Gaiters SPOTLITE REVIEW
Elegant in their simplicity and functionality, they’re like putting your socks on in the morning.
Komperdell C3 Duolock Women Trekking Pole REVIEW
Three-section carbon fiber trekking poles that combine sturdy construction, rigidity, and vibration absorption in a very light and compact package. This “Women’s” pole is sized for most hikers, regardless of gender.
New Balance 872 Off Road Trail Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW
A superb shoe for ultralight backpacking on-trail. Off-trail, they performed exceptionally well, except for one weakness.
Apparel Trends and Highlights
Trends and highlights in lightweight apparel from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006.
In the Chaos: The craziness That is OR (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)
Exciting, awesome, exhausting, intense, and hectic are just some adjectives that describe the chaos of OR.
Eagle Nest Outfitters SingleNest Hammock (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)
Hammock options continue to grow with the ENO SingleNest.
St. Moritz Watches: Momentum VP-1 and VS-1 Digital Altimeters and Momentum Logic (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)
Digital Altimeters with numerous features and a space-age materials analog watch that will stun you.
HydraCoach Interactive Water Bottle
Why the HydraCoach may have absolutely zero applicability for lightweight backpacking.
New Headlamps From Black Diamond, Petzl, and Brunton (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)
LED headlamps continue to proliferate with both high power and ultralight headlamps.
Hammock Bliss Single, Double, and No-See-Um Free Hammocks (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)
Three more inexpensive but robust hammocks enter the fray giving hammock campers even more options
The Travel Hammock Skeeter Beeter (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2006)
An inexpensive bugproof camping hammock with potential.
Carbon Fiber Power Bank20,000 mAh power bank with a lightweight carbon-fiber shell.
